The Malaysian Insight

A NEW political movement called Gerak Independent (GI) is ready to contest in the next general election as a group of independents to truly represent the people’s voice in Parliament.

GI, which is a collaboration of concerned groups and citizens, is planning to place about 20 independent candidates for parliamentary seats in the next polls.

It said this number was enough to make a difference in parliament and governance, adding that no political party will be backing the movement.

“We do not need another politician, but we need statesmen whose hearts are in national service, to amplify the voice of rakyat in parliament, without fear or favour, for all Malaysians,” said activist Arun Dorasamy who is one of GI’s facilitators.

The other facilitators, who were present in a virtual press conference today, were Malaysian Action for Justice and Unity Foundation (Maju) president Siti Kasim and Toh Sin Wah, a former independent candidate for the Kelana Jaya parliamentary seat.

“We are just an NGO that is promoting universal human rights and civil liberties,” said Siti Kasim.

“We are not playing any of the political games,” she added.

GI, in a statement, said it welcomed potential candidates who are confident and value progressiveness, and a scientific and equal society as envisioned by the Rukun Negara.

“We have seen how politicians and their political parties squandered the rakyat’s votes by frog jumping, bad management and corruption so they can enjoy positions in government.

“All these have been happening for more than 35 years in the nation’s history. Today, we have a fractured parliament with no vision, no leadership and, effectively, no values.

“Instead, we have a parliament hungry for power and position and money. Enough is enough,” GI said in its statement.

GI said that its group of independents can play a role in providing the necessary majority to swing legislation, policy and even the formation of government, especially in the face of the parliament being fractured, and with fault-lines based on who should get power and position.

The movement said it would be vetting potential independent hopefuls’ backgrounds thoroughly through a selection process before picking them.

To date, GI said it has received many applications since its first announcement on August 5, but no one has been picked yet as the vetting process has not begun.

GI admitted it might not be the next government in the next GE15 but was ready if that were to happen.

“Give us a chance, at least for the first term,” Toh said.

GI also called for donations to set up the infrastructure, operations and maintenance for the new movement.

“No more beholden are we to political party funding, party warlord approval, and party-loyalty,” GI stated. – November 12, 2020.